Legacy Scholars
Embrace your narrative. Create your legacy.
Legacy Scholars is a two-year experience for students who plan to pursue graduate or professional school within one year of graduating from UNI. The program combines monthly seminars on personal development, career exploration, and graduate school preparation with individualized coaching tailored to each student's goals. Participants build the skills, experiences, and application materials needed to stand out as strong candidates and pursue meaningful opportunities beyond their undergraduate education.
Eligibility
Applicants should have junior standing at the start of the program and approximately four semesters remaining before graduation. Students should also demonstrate strong academic potential and meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Be eligible for a federal Pell Grant*
- Be a first-generation college student
- Demonstrate a commitment to overcoming barriers to educational access and success
*For more information about Pell Grant criteria, or if you're unable to submit a FAFSA, please reach out to Emily Creery.
What To Expect
Legacy Scholars combines structured programming with individualized support to help you stay on track as you prepare for graduate or professional school. As a participant, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Engage in monthly seminars throughout your junior and senior years alongside a cohort of 10-15 peers
- Meet one-on-one with our Program Coordinator between seminars for empathetic mentorship, goal setting, and personalized planning
- Participate in the optional Legacy Scholars Summer Experience (LSSE) between your junior and senior years to gain critical exposure to your chosen field
- Develop application materials with guidance and feedback from campus professionals
- Access funding opportunities that support graduate school preparation, campus visits, and application-related expenses
Throughout the program, you'll have connections to resources, friendly expertise, and an encouraging community as you navigate your next steps!
Alondra Morteo Valenzuela '25
"My biggest takeaway has definitely been learning to lean into the Legacy Scholars community—to support each other, share knowledge, and help answer each other’s questions and concerns. Because honestly, if we don’t show up for one another, who will? I’ve genuinely enjoyed getting to witness, even the smallest moments, of everyone’s success. It feels like every win, no matter how small, is a win for all of us. That sense of community and shared growth has meant a lot to me these past couple of years."
Gabriella Haywood '25
"This program gave me the confidence to pursue my graduate studies and provided me with the knowledge to navigate every step of the process. Before joining Legacy, I had no idea what grad school entailed. I never imagined I could achieve as much as I have through the Legacy program, but I was surrounded by an incredible support system that taught me I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. They reminded me to lean on the resources and people around me because they genuinely want to see me succeed and reach my goals."
Emma Pellegrino '23
"This was the first space that I didn't feel ashamed of how little I knew about graduate school. Now those in my cohort are preparing for our graduate programs, knowing that we belong in higher education and can bring that capability and confidence with us beyond Legacy Scholars."
